How to Deodorize Hockey Skates

Sports equipment can get very stinky very quickly when precautions are not taken. Tossing uniforms and equipment straight into a carrier or bag immediately after use can allow bacteria to grow overnight, creating an awful odor, such as in hockey skates. Most of the other equipment used in hockey is durable enough to be washed in a tub or rinsed with a garden hose, but skates need special attention. Common household items found in your laundry room or kitchen pantry can be used to deodorize hockey skates.

Things You'll Need

  • Rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
  • Clean cloth
  • Baking soda
  • Laundry dryer sheets (scented)
  • Table salt
  • Tube socks (optional)
  • Cedar chips or scented cat litter (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the skates from your equipment bag and allow them to air out. Soak a clean cloth in rubbing alcohol and wipe the insides of the skates. Dry them and let them sit out for a few hours.

    • 2

      Sprinkle 2 to 3 tbsp. of baking soda into the inside of the skate boots. Swirl the boots around so that the baking soda covers the entire bottom of each boot. Set the skates in an upright position and allow them to sit overnight. Dump out the excess baking soda, using your hands, if necessary.

    • 3

      Place a couple of scented laundry dryer sheets into each skate boot when not in use.

    • 4

      Add 2 tsp. of table salt once per month to each boot to help keep odor to a minimum and soak up any moisture that may have accumulated.

    • 5

      Fill a pair of old tube socks with cedar chips or scented cat litter for really strong smells that are resistant to other methods. Tie the sock in a knot so that the chips or litter do not spill out.